Three Times

As the end of the week arrives, Jesus predicts his death to the disciples for the third time. 

"Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"" (Matthew 20:17-19 NIV)

Three times. Still the disciples didn't understand what Jesus was saying. It had come to the time when Jesus asked the disciples to prepare the Passover meal so they could share this last supper together. Jesus lifted the bread and broke it, gave thanks, and said, "Take and eat; this is my body." (Matthew 26:26 NIV) Then he took the cup and said, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins," (Matthew 26:28 NIV).

Jesus went to the garden called Gethsemane to pray. The disciples followed and were instructed to keep watch but all they could do was sleep. Soon Jesus' betrayer arrived with a large crowd of people to seize Jesus and arrest him.

Today is the day when our communion services were established. We can always remember this Last Supper each time we partake of communion. Let our minds focus on this night of togetherness and betrayal by Judas. Would we have understood the significance of each action any better than the disciples? I doubt it. But today we can remember it all and give thanks to God.

Lord, focus our thoughts on You today and all that you gave for us. Amen.